Instructions
Proceed with caution. Although some owners feed their rabbits a variety of foods, others advocate a specific dietary regimen. According to RabbitWise Inc., you should never feed your rabbit any grains or seeds, as these can be harmful to the rabbit's health. On the other hand, Margaret Bartold of the National Angora Rabbit Breeders Club feeds her rabbits bird seed every day. If you aren't sure about what to feed your pet rabbit, consult with your veterinarian or local rabbit breeder.
Treat it as a treat. Consider anything beyond alfalfa, hay and rabbit feed to be a treat for your rabbit. This means you should only give these foods to him on an occasional basis. Grains such as corn are commonly found in bird seed, and they contain a lot of sugar that can be difficult for rabbits to digest. Bartold feeds her rabbits a quarter cup of bird seed twice a week as a treat; other treats should only be given in small doses throughout the week.
Watch the rabbit's reaction. If your rabbit has diarrhea, vomiting or loss of appetite, this could be a sign that its diet isn't working. If you notice signs of digestive problems such as these, take treats out of bunny's diet until you notice its health returning to normal. Then you can gradually introduce treats again, but one at a time so you can pinpoint the cause of the digestive stress.
How to Feed Bird Seeds to Rabbits
Rabbits have specific dietary requirements to keep healthy and live long lives. If you have a pet rabbit, feed it a balanced diet including hay, vegetables and a small number of treats per day. Consult with your veterinarian if your rabbit has a negative reaction to something it eats, such as vomiting or diarrhea. If you want to feed bird seed to your rabbit, consider all of your options before proceeding.